Wants to stay on as coach after helping 'settle things down'

PHILADELPHIA — While Vikings ownership faces a difficult decision regarding Leslie Frazier's job security, Frazier has one thing around which to build his case.

He stuck to the job description.

The Vikings asked Frazier to "kind of settle things down" after taking over for Brad Childress on Nov. 22, the interim coach said Monday.

On the field, Frazier padded his resume with back-to-back victories over Washington and Buffalo, only to add a couple of blemishes with losses to New York and Chicago by a combined score of 61-17.

For the past five weeks, Frazier has suppressed this season's drama surrounding the Vikings after the waiving of Randy Moss, Brett Favre's NFL investigation and reports of Childress' locker-room tension.

"When you watch ESPN, you're not seeing us on the news for some of the negative things that were there before," Frazier said. "I think our players want to do the right things to win."

Lending rare introspection into his job situation, Frazier made it clear Monday he wants to stay in Minnesota as head coach beyond 2010.

The Vikings-Eagles postponement serves as another obstacle in Frazier's six-game audition as interim coach, one that could end with Sunday's season finale at Detroit.

The past three weeks have forced the Vikings to drop two home games after the Metrodome collapse while starters at quarterback, wide receiver, running back and offensive line have missed time with injuries.

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But Frazier, speaking from the Vikings' team hotel Monday after the morning walk-through, says the recent challenges will pay long-term dividends for the organization.

"Some of the things we have experienced, we'll look back on in 2011, I believe at some point, we'll say that's what helped us become the champion we've become," said Frazier, the former defensive coordinator who has interviewed for several head coaching jobs the past few years. "I know I'd like to return, and what we've gone through, for sure, you'd like to see what things would be like if we can get our squad together and keep some guys healthy and line up and play."

The team's travel schedule hasn't helped Frazier's cause. The Vikings' past two home games were played at Detroit's Ford Field and the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, respectively, after 17 inches of snow tore through the Metrodome roof.

Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy told Frazier, his good friend, this week that he has never witnessed the chaos of Frazier's first weeks on the job.

Frazier has tried to return the Vikings to a run-first team that controls the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and the results have been mixed.

Frazier could use an inspired performance against the Eagles, the league leaders in offense at 403.9 yards a game. The Vikings have lost their edge in recent weeks.

Several Vikings have said they are playing for themselves, not for a coach's job security, but that doesn't stop kicker Ryan Longwell from rooting for Frazier.

"He's a great leader and a great man," Longwell said. "He deserves a head coaching job in this league. Whether it's here or elsewhere, you just hope he gets a shot."

Frazier can't imagine 2011 being as chaotic as this season, which makes him eager to coach a Vikings team with a fresh outlook.

"I just know if we can get some things settled down, make a few changes in certain areas, we can get some things done, in my mind," Frazier said. "I'd love to be a part of the Vikings and see that through."